24 hours in… Tirana

Are you only spending one day in Tirana? The vibrant capital of Albania has lots to offer and we have selected some of our favorite places you can explore in 24 hours. 

MORNING

Start the day with a morning walk in the city center. Skanderbeg Square is the perfect start point of your Tirana’s tour. Take your time to look the Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower -you can visit both- and National Opera while Tirana wakes up. Enjoy a coffee, or two, and then head to the National History Museum, with a collection of artifacts from the prehistoric era to modern times. If you are into museums, don’t miss the opportunity to visit BunkArt2 and the House of Leaves just a few steps away. These are two cultural hubs that efficiently show visitors how Communist-era police persecuted the regime’s opponents.

LUNCH

Pazari i Ri is the place to go for foodies. Farmers from Tirana’s outskirts sell Albanian products as fruits, vegetables, mountain teas, raki, dried fruit, traditional coffee and original souvenirs. This place also includes bars and restaurants where to try local and international food. Or, you can have a nice walk, reach the Piramida, the former mausoleum of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha now turned into a multifunctional hub, and head to Bistro Mulaj, a contemporary and cozy restaurant with a menu of traditional and classic dishes. From Albanian soups to grilled meat and traditional desserts, like baklava and kadaif, you have full of options. The bistro is part of Mulaj Hotel, one of the coolest hotels in Tirana, located at the beginning of the Bllok district. It’s the right place if you want to extend your time in town: the rooms are smartly designed and offer beautiful views over some of Albanian capital’s most famous landmarks. 

AFTERNOON

The Bllok is full of cute cafes, galleries and cool places where spend some of your time -don’t miss the chance to stroll around the Parku i Madh, the lush park of Tirana- but if you want to continue the explorations of Tirana sights, go straight to the BunkArt1. This museum, housed in a huge bunker in the outskirts of the citY, was built to accommodate the Communist leader Hoxha in the event of attacks. Today it hosts photographs, documents and items of the Communist-era. We wonder you’ll not find anything like that in any other European capitals. Looking for something more, and possibly greener, to explore? Well, the cable car to reach Dajti Mountain is just a few meters away. This green oasis with forests, mountain paths and adventure park is the perfect place to go to spend some time surrounded by nature and admire Tirana from the top.

INFORMATION

Find out more about Mulaj Hotel
Instagram: @mulajhotel
Facebook: Mulaj Hotel
Location: Rruga Donika Kastrioti, Tirana.
Tel: +355677444446